Illegal Aid
The EPPO file details a “criminal organization” involving officials from Greece’s EU subsidy distribution agency, OPEKEPE, alongside individuals and MPs who unlawfully obtained EU agricultural subsidies, as seen by informed officials.
A 36-page English note in the file reveals that OPEKEPE and Agriculture Ministry officials, along with business people, “acted in an organized manner to create a system of non-controls and secure or aid in receiving illegal support.”
EPPO urges further investigation into former Agriculture Minister Lefteris Avgenakis (center) | Olivier Hoslet/EPA
EPPO notes, “The full extent of the fabrication of payment entitlements and total damage to EU funds hasn’t yet been fully measured. However, current investigation stages justify suspicion of a significant scheme.”
Despite the unassessed damage extent, Brussels has mandated Greece to forfeit nearly €400 million in funding—over a fifth of its expected direct payments next year.
EPPO suggests further legal scrutiny for two former agriculture ministers—Lefteris Avgenakis and Makis Voridis, who later held a state minister role reporting to the prime minister—over alleged EU fund misappropriation. Both deny the allegations.
The dossier cites former OPEKEPE president Grigoris Varras mentioning the fake pastureland issue in two 2020 letters to Voridis. Voridis forced his resignation and remained in government until June when he also resigned after EPPO submitted its dossier to parliament.
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